STRENGTHS One cut type of runner, who has impressive foot quickness, and the ability to explode out of his cuts. Presses the line before cutting to the play side and displays good vision and patience to find open running lane. Sees penetrating defenders, cuts after the handoff to avoid them. Vision on the outside and downfield is also good, can weave through traffic and his loose hips and quick feet allow him to cut inside the defensive back into open space. Not contact-shy, will take the A-gap and churn inside if he sees an opening. Runs hard, behind his pads, and displays good balance.

WEAKNESSES Shows enough speed to get outside at times, though scouts won’t consider him in possession of an elite burst or a pure breakaway threat. Won’t overpower NFL defenders with the leaner build that lets them regularly trip him up on first contact. Ball security has been an issue for him (six fumbles in 2011), lacks great upper-body strength and the ball will come away from his side when trying to get the extra yard. Pass protection skills are not up to snuff; he’ll throw his body into an opponent at times, but his cut-block attempts often come up completely empty.

NFL COMPARISON Bernard Scott

BOTTOM LINE Franklin had his best statistical year by far as a senior, and managed to clean up his fumbling issues. His speed, shifty hips, and one-cut ability will make him at least a nice NFL change-of-pace back.

"I do not think there is any thrill that can go through the human heart like that felt by the inventor as he sees some creation of the brain unfolding to success... such emotions make a man forget food, sleep, friends, love, everything." - Nikola Tesla

03/17/2013 - 2013 UCLA Pro Day: UCLA's Johnathan Franklin has outstanding pro day...Representatives from 15 NFL teams gathered at the pro day held at UCLA on March 12, where 15 Bruins players (plus one former Bruin, Matt Ware) went through a workout held outdoors on FieldTurf. The drills were by UCLA's strength coach, and with the exception of the 40-yard dash the rest of the drills weren't run the same way as at the NFL Scouting Combine. Players who were at the combine only got weighed.Johnathan Franklin, RB (196 pounds) - Franklin did a 30-inch vertical jump, and stood by the rest of his numbers from the combine. Franklin looked really outstanding in the position drills. He caught the ball well with no drops. He had just one double catch and one chest catch. - Gil Brandt, NFL.com

•More Johnathan Franklin News

Overview

Franklin was a little-known three-star recruit out of high school and redshirted in 2008 before becoming a four-year starter for the Bruins. He produced quality numbers as a freshman, sophomore and junior and needed a strong senior season in order to grab the attention of NFL scouts.

Franklin thrived in 2012 as part of UCLA's zone-read offense, routinely making something out of nothing with his fast, tough and energetic running style. Although he doesn't have the frame to get much bigger than 205 pounds, he has good muscle definition and has stayed durable over the years, leaving UCLA with 45 career starts.

Franklin loves to bounce runs outside with this vision and explosive lateral movements, reminding many of another former Bruin running back with a smaller stature, but very balanced attack (Maurice Jones-Drew).

Analysis

Franklin boasts NFL-caliber speed and the ability to make defenders miss in tight quarters. He attacks the line of scrimmage and can squirt through in a blink, consistently giving the Bruins a big-play option from the running game.

He's affectionately been nicknamed "Jetski" by some on the team due to his ability to leave defenders in his wake. The catchy nickname is fun, but I have concerns about how well he'll transition to the NFL. Franklin lacks the bulk of an NFL lead back so he'd likely have to make a roster as a third-down specialist.

The problem is he hasn't demonstrated the reliable hands out of the backfield (25 career catches for just 194 yards and one score) nor is he a stout blocker in pass protection -- two traits normally associated with the speedy change-of-pace options NFL teams are increasingly employing in this era of specialization.

Perhaps most alarming is that Franklin has struggled with ball security. He fumbled three times in a five game stretch last year and it has been a sporadic problem going back earlier in his career.

"I do not think there is any thrill that can go through the human heart like that felt by the inventor as he sees some creation of the brain unfolding to success... such emotions make a man forget food, sleep, friends, love, everything." - Nikola Tesla

I knew the Packers liked him. He's just a great fit. He and Eddie Lacy are going to significantly upgrade this running attack. I can hardly wait until training camp to watch these two battle. His pass protection is off the charts, plus he operates well in space. I can’t stress enough how much I love this pick. I’m almost dumbfounded that he fell this far.

I knew the Packers liked him. He's just a great fit. He and Eddie Lacy are going to significantly upgrade this running attack. I can hardly wait until training camp to watch these two battle. His pass protection is off the charts, plus he operates well in space. I can’t stress enough how much I love this pick. I’m almost dumbfounded that he fell this far.

In the mock drafts that I was doing, I had him when I traded back deep in round 2 and 3.

"I do not think there is any thrill that can go through the human heart like that felt by the inventor as he sees some creation of the brain unfolding to success... such emotions make a man forget food, sleep, friends, love, everything." - Nikola Tesla

Excellent.. so when Lacy busts out.. we at least have a back to fall back upon. [grin1]

Maybe.. just maybe, Mike McCarthy and company are serious about establishing a running attack that can be counted on at different times within games.. add a bigger center and we might have something.

Pretty much what I was thinking too. I could see Johnathan Franklin playing more than Eddie Lacy.

"I do not think there is any thrill that can go through the human heart like that felt by the inventor as he sees some creation of the brain unfolding to success... such emotions make a man forget food, sleep, friends, love, everything." - Nikola Tesla

So with Franklin and Lacy (wasn’t there a cop show by that name?), the Packers have a couple of new toys for an offense that typically passes to set up the pass. Though there could be an issue with getting everyone enough reps and touches to keep them happy, the Packers have addressed a chronic need in a big way.

And don’t be surprised if it’s Franklin, not Lacy, who emerges as the better NFL player.

I think this most likely going to happen.

"I do not think there is any thrill that can go through the human heart like that felt by the inventor as he sees some creation of the brain unfolding to success... such emotions make a man forget food, sleep, friends, love, everything." - Nikola Tesla

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